What to See

Outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers treasure Meinert Park for its Lake Michigan shoreline, undeveloped dunes, and impressive views. High ridges provide views of Lake Michigan and the wetlands. A pond at the base of the wooded dunes creates habitat diversity and attract ducks, herons, kingfishers, and other wildlife. At this time there are no marked trails through most of the property. Hiking is strenuous and a topographic map or GPS is needed to navigate through dune land.

Conservation Value

The natural area that was added to the park consists of rugged, forested, parabolic dunes and wetlands. It is a sanctuary for migratory birds that travel up the Great Lakes flyway as well as resident wildlife.

History

Known in the early 1900s as “Huston’s Landing,” this property, logged at the turn of the previous century, became a favorite picnic spot for schools and families in the area.

In 1936, the lakefront section of the property was purchased by Muskegon County to establish a park which was named Meinert County Park after Ed Meinert, the supervisor of White River Township at the time. An additional 88 acres was added to the park in 1957 with the acquisition of the “Sugar Bowl” dune.

In 2010, the Land Conservancy worked with Muskegon County and the Dekker and Rottman families to protect and add 95 acres of undeveloped and rugged dune habitat to the park. This addition more than doubled the size of the park.

Visitor Information

Meinert County Park is located on Lake Michigan north of Montague at the end of Meinert Road. Take U.S. 31 to the Fruitvale Road Exit, go right (west) on Fruitvale Road to Old 31, turn right (north) and follow Old 31 one (1) mile to Meinert Road, turn left (west). The park entrance is approximately 5 miles at Lake Michigan.

Explore Nearby

Anderson Woods Nature Preserve is a forested natural area near Muskegon, Whitehall, and Montague. A wheelchair and stroller accessible trail system leads visitors through a towering oak and white pine forest, interspersed with glades lush with blueberry and wintergreen.

With more than 1,000 feet of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline and environmentally fragile barrier dunes, the Barrier Dunes Sanctuary is a great place for walking the beach, picnics, and wildlife viewing.

Located in northern Muskegon County, Flower Creek Dunes Nature Preserve protects unspoiled dune habitat along the lakeshore. A boardwalk leading to an overlook provides panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding dunes.

Features

Amenities

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About Us

At the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, we work to keep nature nearby and help people protect, enjoy, and care for natural land in West Michigan. We conserve land by creating public nature preserves, providing support to communities and local governments creating natural areas, and helping private landowners protect their own land.